Understanding Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A Chiropractic & Chinese Medicine Approach
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a painful condition marked by progressive shoulder stiffness, reduced range of motion, and night pain, often developing over months or years. It commonly affects adults aged 40–65 and is associated with diabetes, hormonal changes, stress, and periods of shoulder immobilisation.
At Nomad Chiropractic, frozen shoulder is approached as both a musculoskeletal and nervous system condition. Care focuses on restoring shoulder, spinal, and rib mobility; reducing protective muscle guarding; and improving circulation and proprioception through gentle chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and tailored rehabilitation exercises.
This approach is complemented by principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine and functional health, recognising the role of stress, liver function, and systemic inflammation in chronic joint stiffness. Early, holistic care can shorten recovery time, reduce pain, and support a safer return to comfortable, confident shoulder movement.
Helping Frozen Shoulder Naturally
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a frustrating and often painful condition that restricts shoulder movement, affecting daily tasks like dressing, driving, and lifting. It tends to develop gradually and worsen over time before slowly resolving—but without the right care, recovery can take years. At Nomad Chiropractic, we combine modern chiropractic care with holistic principles, including insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to offer effective support for frozen shoulder sufferers.
What Is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. Over time, adhesions (bands of fibrotic tissue) form within the capsule, restricting movement and causing persistent pain — often worse at night or with specific movements.
Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Dull or aching shoulder pain
Progressive stiffness and reduced range of motion
Pain that worsens at night or disrupts sleep
Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or rotating the arm
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three recognised stages:
Freezing Stage
Increasing pain and gradual loss of shoulder movement.Frozen Stage
Pain may reduce, but stiffness and restriction remain significant.Thawing Stage
Slow, gradual return of movement and function.
Understanding which stage you are in is important, as treatment strategies should adapt accordingly.
Who Is Most at Risk of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is more common in certain populations, particularly when systemic or nervous system factors are involved.
Known Risk Factors Include:
Adults aged 40–65 years (more common in women)
Diabetes (due to changes in collagen and inflammation)
Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)
Prolonged immobilisation or recovery after surgery or injury
Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
Chronic stress, emotional trauma, or hormonal change (including peri-menopause)
These factors help explain why frozen shoulder is not just a local shoulder issue — it often reflects broader nervous system and metabolic influences.
A Chiropractic Perspective on Frozen Shoulder
At Nomad Chiropractic, we view frozen shoulder as more than a single joint problem. We assess how spinal movement, posture, nervous system stress, and compensatory patterns influence shoulder function and recovery.
When the nervous system perceives threat or restriction, it often responds with protective muscle guarding, reduced circulation, and delayed healing — all of which can prolong frozen shoulder symptoms.
Chiropractic Goals in Frozen Shoulder Care
Improve movement in the shoulder, spine, ribs, and shoulder blade
Reduce nervous system overload and muscle guarding
Improve circulation and sensory input to support tissue healing
Restore confidence with movement
Techniques May Include:
Gentle chiropractic adjustments (particularly cervico-thoracic spine)
Myofascial release or Active Release Techniques (ART)
Dry needling where appropriate
Joint mobilisation and proprioceptive rehabilitation
Individualised home exercise and loading programs
Care is always tailored to the stage of frozen shoulder and individual tolerance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine View: Liver Qi & Frozen Shoulder
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, frozen shoulder is often linked to Liver Qi stagnation and Blood stasis. The Liver system in TCM governs the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and is closely associated with tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.
When Liver Qi becomes stagnant — commonly due to stress, emotional tension, hormonal shifts, or dietary factors — movement becomes restricted, circulation slows, and pain can develop in the joints, particularly the shoulders.
Common TCM Patterns Seen With Frozen Shoulder
Irritability or emotional frustration
Tension headaches or neck tightness
Digestive bloating or sluggish bowels
Hormonal transitions (peri-menopause)
Waking between 1–3am (associated with the Liver meridian)
This perspective complements modern understanding of how stress and inflammation affect connective tissue health.
Liver Involvement: A Functional Health Perspective
From a functional medicine viewpoint, the liver plays a vital role in:
Hormone metabolism (especially oestrogen)
Detoxification pathways
Inflammatory regulation
Connective tissue turnover
When liver function is under strain — due to medications, alcohol, poor diet, environmental toxins, or chronic stress — systemic inflammation may increase, potentially contributing to prolonged healing and stiffness in conditions like frozen shoulder.
Our Holistic Approach at Nomad Chiropractic Mosman
1. Chiropractic Adjustments
We assess the shoulder in the context of the entire spine, rib cage, and scapular mechanics, addressing compensatory patterns that overload the shoulder joint.
2. Myofascial & Joint Mobilisation
Gentle mobilisation and soft tissue work help reduce adhesions, improve circulation, and gradually restore shoulder mobility.
3. Nervous System Support
Chronic pain often involves heightened sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity. Chiropractic care helps regulate this response, supporting relaxation, recovery, and movement confidence.
4. Lifestyle & Liver Support
Where appropriate, we provide guidance or referrals to support liver and metabolic health, including:
Anti-inflammatory nutrition (leafy greens, turmeric, ginger)
Reducing alcohol and ultra-processed foods
Supporting nutrient pathways (magnesium, B-vitamins)
Herbal support such as milk thistle or dandelion (via qualified practitioners)
5. Progressive Rehabilitation
Movement is medicine — but it must be appropriate, gentle, and consistent.
Home Exercises for Frozen Shoulder Relief
These exercises are commonly used during the frozen and thawing stages and should remain pain-free or mildly uncomfortable, never sharp.
Pendulum Swings
Encourages gentle decompression and circulation.
Wall Walks (Front & Side)
Gradually restores shoulder flexion and abduction.
Shoulder Pulley (If Available)
Assists passive range of motion safely.
Towel Stretch Behind the Back
Improves internal rotation and functional reach.
Foam Roller Thoracic Extensions
Supports upper-back mobility essential for shoulder movement.
Scapular Retractions
Improves shoulder blade stability and postural support.
Pro tip: Warm the shoulder first with a heat pack or warm shower. Consistency matters more than intensity.
When to Seek Help for Frozen Shoulder
Early care makes a difference. Consider seeking professional support if:
Shoulder stiffness or pain persists beyond a few weeks
Night pain is affecting sleep
Movement continues to decline
Home exercises aren’t improving symptoms
Addressing frozen shoulder early can significantly reduce severity and recovery time.
Final Thoughts
Frozen shoulder is not just a shoulder condition — it reflects an interaction between joint mechanics, the nervous system, stress, hormones, and overall health.
At Nomad Chiropractic Mosman, we take a whole-person approach, blending chiropractic care, nervous system regulation, rehabilitation, and Chinese medicine principles to help you move forward — comfortably and confidently.
If you’re struggling with shoulder stiffness or pain, we’re here to help guide your recovery.
FAQ: Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
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Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickened, and stiff. This leads to progressive pain, restricted range of motion, and difficulty with everyday activities such as dressing, reaching, and sleeping. The condition typically develops gradually and progresses through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages.
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Frozen shoulder can take anywhere from 12 months to 3 years to fully resolve if left unmanaged. With early, targeted care—including chiropractic treatment, gentle mobilisation, and guided rehabilitation—many people experience reduced pain and improved mobility sooner, potentially shortening the overall recovery timeline.
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Yes. Chiropractic care can help by addressing joint restrictions in the shoulder, upper back, ribs, and neck, as well as reducing nervous system-driven muscle guarding. Gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and proprioceptive rehabilitation can improve mobility, circulation, and pain tolerance, especially when tailored to the stage of frozen shoulder.
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Frozen shoulder is more common in people experiencing hormonal changes (such as peri-menopause), chronic stress, diabetes, or metabolic dysfunction. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine and functional health perspective, impaired liver function, systemic inflammation, and stress-related nervous system overload can contribute to connective tissue stiffness and delayed healing.
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You should seek professional care if shoulder pain or stiffness lasts longer than a few weeks, worsens at night, or progressively limits movement. Early intervention—especially during the freezing stage—can significantly reduce pain severity, prevent further restriction, and support faster, more complete recovery.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) causes progressive pain, stiffness, and restricted shoulder movement. At Nomad Chiropractic, care focuses on restoring mobility, calming the nervous system, and supporting healing through gentle chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, and holistic strategies inspired by Chinese medicine and functional health.
Want to learn more? Book a FREE 15min discovery call with one of our North Shore Chiropractors today: Book HERE
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Western Medicine & Musculoskeletal Research
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Neurology, Pain & Nervous System
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Chiropractic & Manual Therapy
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Diabetes, Hormones & Systemic Links
Kingston K et al. Adhesive capsulitis and diabetes mellitus. Clin Orthop Relat Res.
Abate M et al. Pathogenesis of tendinopathies: Inflammation and metabolic factors. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine & Integrative Perspectives
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Exercise & Rehabilitation
Kelley MJ et al. Shoulder pain and mobility deficits: Adhesive capsulitis clinical practice guidelines. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther.
Wong CK et al. Rehabilitation for frozen shoulder: Systematic review. Phys Ther.
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The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Chiropractic care may assist with musculoskeletal function and nervous system health; however, individual outcomes may vary.
This content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Always seek advice from a registered healthcare professional if you have concerns about your symptoms, particularly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or persistent.
If you experience red flag symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive weakness, or significant trauma, seek immediate medical attention.
Nomad Chiropractic practitioners are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and provide care in accordance with Australian healthcare standards and scope of practice.